1984 #3

George Orwell continuously depicts a restricted utopist society through characters, such as Syme, to remind readers of the unorthodox world Winston lives in. As Syme and Winston are discussing the eventual influence of Newspeak within society, Syme attempts to convince Winston regarding the evolution of Newspeak by informing that “In fact there will be no thought, as we understand it now. Orthodoxy means not thinking—not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness” (Orwell 53). Orwell infers how individualism and self-thinking is considered as a crime or misdemeanor, thus illustrating the possible outcome an individual may face if he or she shows signs of orthodoxy. The contrast Orwell makes regarding orthodoxy and unorthodoxy is representative through Syme and Winston: they both are members of the Party, yet Winston is portrayed as a character that contains a nature to rebel against society’s demands. He continuously questions and challenges the Party’s regulations in hopes of ultimately understanding one’s true identity and role within society.